Raw egg noodles, pan-toasted in beef and sausage drippings, are layered with the meat, tomatoes, tomato sauce, onions, garlic and a bit of water. Simmering cooks the noodles and brings out the flavors. Serve with Cheddar cheese melted over the top.
INGREDIENTS (for 5 servings):
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 clove crushed garlic
- 1 (8 ounce) package wide egg noodles
- 1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimento peppers, drained
- 1 (16 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
PREPARATION:
Mix beef and sausage into 1 or 2 flat patties. In a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat, salt patties and brown well on each side. Remove meat and set aside.
Saute onion and garlic in the drippings. Remove with a slotted spoon and add to the platter with the meat.
In the drippings, carefully brown a single layer of the raw noodles until golden, remove and do another layer until all are done.
Return all the noodles to the skillet with the garlic, onions, peppers, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce and water. Break the meat patty into large chunks, gently stir all together and simmer 1/2 hour or so. Add a little water as the noodles absorb the juices. This should not be soupy, just thick and dry. Stir in the grated cheese and let it melt into the sauce. It sticks easily at this point, so don't overcook. This reheats well in a slow cooker or casserole.